Motörhead guitarist Phil Campbell died from multi-organ failure after suffering complications following “necessary” surgeries, an inquest has heard. The Welsh rockstar, who was the band’s guitarist from 1984 until it disbanded in 2015, died aged 64 on March 13.
Inquest reveals details of final months
The inquest heard he had previously drunk alcohol to excess but had been sober for seven years by the time of his death. Campbell suffered complications after multiple surgeries, and his death could not have been prevented, St Pancras Coroner’s Court heard on Friday.
The Pontypridd-born guitarist underwent two liver transplants and bowel surgery at the Royal Free Hospital in London earlier this year. Campbell had suffered from Hepatitis-C, but the inquest heard this had been treated. While the second of the two liver transplants was successful, Campbell suffered further complications.
Cause of death recorded
He underwent bowel surgery and was moved to intensive care, where he deteriorated rapidly. He died in hospital on March 13, with his cause of death recorded as multi-organ failure by coroner Dr Richard Brittain.
Dr Brittain said: “My view is that there is nothing here to suggest his death could have been prevented.” He summarised Campbell died from “recognised complications of necessary surgical procedures”.
Tributes from family and fellow musicians
Phil was best known for his long-standing role as Motörhead's guitarist, which saw him perform with the band from 1984 until 2015 when the group disbanded after the band's founder Lemmy died. A statement shared to the band's Instagram account, which posted a photo of Phil and his wife Gaynor, read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Philip Anthony Campbell, who passed away peacefully last night following a long and courageous battle in intensive care after a complex major operation."
"Phil was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a proud and loving grandfather, known affectionately as 'Bampi.' He was deeply loved by all who knew him and will be missed immensely. His legacy, music and the memories he created with so many will live on forever." The statement ended with: "We kindly ask that our family's privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time."
In the comments, celebrity friends and fans paid tribute to the legendary musician. Guitarist Chris Caffery, who has performed alongside Motörhead, commented: "RIP to my favorite rock star ever. Truly saddened by this news. My prayers and hugs to his family." He added: "Thank you Phil for your priceless inspiration. Your friendship was cherished by me always. The opportunity you gave me to perform onstage with Motörhead has an even deeper part of my heart now as you join Lemmy as one of our angels. Thank you for the stories and the jokes and the ways to always make me smile and laugh no matter where or when it was that I saw you! We've lost a priceless legend. One of a kind…in my heart and soul forever!"
Guitarist Alex Skolnick added: "My memories of him with @officialmotorhead are fond (and some of the funniest tour stories) My condolences the whole Phil camp. A true original onstage and off. RIP PC".
Legacy and musical career
Motörhead was founded in 1975 by the bass player and singer Lemmy, whose real name was Ian Kilmister. The group helped pioneer heavy metal music in Britain with a string of top 10 albums including 1980 hit, Ace Of Spades, 1981’s No Sleep Til Hammersmith and 1982’s Ironfist.
Campbell was the second longest serving Motörhead bandmember, after Lemmy, and went on to record music and tour with his sons, Todd, Dane and Tyla as the group Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons.
